ML-KEM, or Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism, is a quantum-safe encryption algorithm standardized by NIST to establish secure communication channels resistant to quantum computers. It works by creating a shared secret key between two parties using a mathematical concept called lattices and the Module Learning With Errors (MLWE) problem. ML-KEM is not used for encrypting messages directly, but rather to secure the symmetric keys that are used for the actual encryption.
How ML-KEM Works
- 1. Key Generation: A pair of keys (public and private) is generated based on the mathematical properties of lattices.
- 2. Encapsulation: One party uses the other’s public key to “encapsulate” a secret, creating a ciphertext.
- 3. Decapsulation: The recipient uses their private key to decrypt the ciphertext and recover the original shared secret key.
Why It’s Quantum-Safe
- Lattice-Based Security: ML-KEM’s security relies on the difficulty of the Module Learning with Errors (MLWE) problem, which involves solving noisy linear equations in a lattice structure.
- Quantum Resistance: This mathematical problem is intractable for even powerful quantum computers, making it secure against future cryptographic threats.
Key Characteristics
- Standardized by NIST: It’s a standardized algorithm (FIPS 203) for post-quantum cryptography.
- Key Encapsulation: Its primary role is key establishment, not direct message encryption.
- Replaces Older Systems: It’s designed to replace older public-key encryption methods like RSA, which are vulnerable to quantum attacks.
- Based on Kyber: The ML-KEM standard is based on the CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm.
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